What does it really mean to hear God? In James Week 2, Pastor Aaron McRae explores how genuine listening to God’s Word is proven not by information received, but by lives transformed. Using the image of a hearing test, James challenges us to examine whether we are merely hearing Scripture—or actually responding to it with obedience.

Walking through James 1:19–27, this message unpacks how hearing God begins with listening more than speaking, slowing our anger, humbly welcoming the Word, and intentionally putting it into practice. Pastor Aaron highlights James’s warning against self-deception: when we hear without doing, we convince ourselves we’re growing when we’re not. True faith is not just orthodox belief but lived obedience that expresses itself in transformed character and compassionate action toward others.

This teaching invites us to quiet the noise of our lives, tune our hearts to God’s voice through Scripture, and respond with concrete, faithful steps. When we hear like God intends, our hearts are aligned with Him—and our lives become attentive to the needs of the people around us.

Resources

• James Study Journal – Weekly Scripture readings, reflection prompts, and space to apply the teaching personally or with a group - https://hillsidechurches.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/James2026_Journal_FINAL.pdf
• Discussion Guide – Designed for small groups, coffee groups, or families to process the message together - https://hillsidechurches.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Discussion-Guide-1.18.26.pdf
• Scripture Focus: James 1:19–27; Psalm 85:7–8
• Recommended Reading:
  • James by Douglas Moo
  • James by George M. Stulac
  • Caring Enough to Hear and Be Heard by David W. Augsburger

For the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel.

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